For Tom Cruise, Scientology and Business Mix
A NewsMax Report
It's OK for Hollywood to push religion, as long as its not a traditional Judaeo-Christian kind. At least, actor Tom Cruise apparently thinks so.
According to the New York Times, the action star has been mixing his business and his church.
The paper says industry people who want to do business with him have been given must-take, four-hour tours of three different Scientology facilities in Los Angeles.
Businessmen subjected to this peculiar form prostelyzing were some 20 managers from United International Pictures, involved in distribution of his film "The War of the Worlds."
Notes the Times, doing business with Cruise, requires bowing in the direction of the Church of Scientology, his religious faith. In some cases that meant extending their stays for an extra day to take the tours, several attendees told the newspaper. In recent years, Cruise has spoken more openly about Scientology in his many interviews promoting various films, the Times noted, adding that executives who do business with him increasingly have found themselves spending time at church facilities.
Andrew Cripps, president of United International Pictures, told the Times the tour was useful because the news media often asks about Mr. Cruise's religious beliefs.
"Genuinely, there is an interest level among our managers who have to field questions, to understand and learn more about it," he said, adding that no one was forced to attend, though at least one executive who took the tour said the visit was regarded by some as an unwelcome business obligation.
During the filming of "The War of the Worlds," Cruise sponsored a "Scientology tent," on the set offering what his spokeswoman, Lee Anne De Vette called "assists" - a kind of massage administered by volunteer ministers - along with religious literature.
Cruise had also recently sent out a holiday greeting that included Scientological precepts on a plastic plaque despite the fact that Tinseltown insiders typically shy away from open discussion of their religious beliefs.
De Vette, Cruise's sister and a church member, told the Times Cruise had been inviting colleagues to learn more about his religion in order to combat what he viewed as prejudice against a group that some critics have branded an exploitative cult.
Speaking of the tour DeVette said "It's lack of understanding that breeds bigotry. We're being asked questions about the religion, and he said, 'Rather than me stand here and explain it,'" he would organize a formal tour.
Scientology, the Times reported, has not been recognized as a religion in many European nations and remains under federal surveillance in Germany, where it is regarded as a dangerous sect.
Adherents, on the other hand, say Scientology is a method of counseling and courses that helps individuals break free from negative emotions and lead more rewarding lives.
John Travolta and Kirstie Alley are also well known adherents of the religion.
|